Clash
Injures Five Israelis, Palestinian
The Guardian, January 4, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli troops were fired upon while patrolling the West
Bank town of Jenin early Saturday, and five soldiers and one Palestinian were
wounded in the ensuing gunfight, the army and witnesses said.
U.S.
expresses concern over Israel's house demolition policy
Ha'artez, January 4, 2003
The IDF on Saturday destroyed two large homes situated in the Brazil neighborhood
in the Gaza Strip town of Rafah. The demolitions took place several hours
after the U.S. expressed concern over Israel's policy of demolishing Palestinian
homes.
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Iraq
News
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Bush
rallies troops for war
The Guardian, January 4, 2003
President George Bush yesterday readied US troops
for "crucial hours" ahead in the crisis over Iraq,
denouncing Saddam Hussein for showing contempt for
the UN as the Pentagon ordered the dispatch of thousands
of marines to the Gulf.
100,000
offer to be human shields
Arab News, January 4, 2003
BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON, 5 January 2003 — Iraq
is preparing to take in thousands of people from
across the world who have offered to be used as
“human shields” against a US-led war,
an official newspaper reported yesterday.
Turkey
and Syria work for peace
BBC, January 4, 2003
There is strong opposition in Turkey to a war --
Turkey and Syria have agreed to work together to
try to prevent a war against Iraq, Turkish Prime
Minister Abdullah Gul said.
Turkish
PM starts Mideast tour
Al-Bawaba, January 4, 2003
Turkish Prime Minister, Abdullah Gul has left Turkey
on a three-country tour of the Middle East. This
move comes within the framework of Turkey's attempts
to help reach a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis.
UN
expands Iraq operations
BBC, January 4, 2003
United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq are expanding
operations, setting up a base in the northern city
of Mosul to speed up work in the region.
NCC-Led
Religious Leaders Mission to Iraq Concludes
National Council of Churches, January 3, 2003
NEW YORK CITY – A 13-member religious leaders’
mission to Iraq returns to the United States today
(January 3) after witnessing the 20-year legacy
of suffering of Iraqi civilians – especially
children – and burdened with the knowledge
that war would further deepen that suffering.
Turkish
PM Pushes For Peace in Iraq in Regional Tour
Islam Online, January 4, 2003
Gul will visit Syria, Egypt and Jordan in his tour
-- DAMASCUS, January 4 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
- Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul arrived in
Syria Saturday, January 4, on the first leg of a
three-country Middle Eastern tour as part of Ankara’s
efforts to help reach a peaceful resolution to the
Iraqi crisis.
Under
Daily Threats, Iraqis Dread War
Islam Online, January 4, 2003
BAGHDAD, January 4 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
– The Iraqis are living under a daily threat
of a looming U.S.-led war on the sanction-ridden
country, and are both praying for victory or hoping
that somehow, the U.S. campaign, which brings with
it bitter memories of the 1991 Gulf War, will be
averted.
Schroeder
Keeps Options Open on Iraq Vote
The Guardian, January 4, 2003
BERLIN (AP) - Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder insists
he remains opposed to a war in Iraq but in remarks
released Saturday, refused to say whether Germany
would vote against U.N. authorization of military
action in the Middle East.
Mideast
Leaders Urge U.S.-Iraq Peace
The Guardian, January 4, 2003
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - The Turkish and Syrian leaders
Saturday urged a peaceful resolution to the Iraqi-U.S.
standoff, as Ankara launched a diplomatic initiative
to reinforce ties with the Arab world ahead of a
possible war.
U.S.A.
Churches delegation concludes visit to Iraq; American
threats illegal and unchristian
Arabic News, January 4, 2003
The delegation representing the American Churches
delegation has called in a statement issued upon
leaving Baghdad yesterday in conclusion of a humanitarian
mission lasting four days, the US President George
Bush not to launch war against Iraq.
Bush:
America ready for war in Iraq; Britain to send more
than 20,000 troops to Gulf region
Al-Bawaba, January 4, 2003
President Bush Friday told U.S. soldiers they may
be called into combat "to secure our country and
to keep the peace."
Arab
Americans scared, angry at idea of Iraq war
Bradenton Herald, January 4, 2003
TOLEDO, Ohio - Arab-Americans in one of the country's
oldest Arab communities are looking ahead to the
prospect of a U.S. war against Iraq with a mixture
of fear and fury.
U.N.
Team Seeks to Broaden Iraq Searches
Bradenton Herald, January 4, 2003
BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.N. weapons inspectors began setting
up a new office Saturday in the northern city of
Mosul to broaden the range of their searches. Iraq's
government declared that U.S. funding and military
training for Iraqi opposition groups violate international
law and Iraqi sovereignty.
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Israeli
Soldiers Beat Ofer Prisoners Before Allowing Medical Help
Islam Online, January 4, 2003
RAMALLAH, January 3 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
– Israeli occupation soldiers have brutally beaten
Palestinian prisoners during clashes that took place Thursday,
January 2, at the Ofer prison, before allowing ambulances
to help them, a Palestinian Ofer prisoner said Friday,
January 3.
Arafat:
Israel building Berlin Wall
BBC, January 4, 2003
Arafat described the wall as 'unacceptable' -- Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat
has accused Israel of constructing a "Berlin Wall" around Jerusalem.
Jailed
Palestinian Radical Leader Slams Arafat
Bradenton Herald, January 4, 2003
Ahmed Saadat, jailed leader of the radical Popular Front for Liberation of
Palestine (PFLP), says his detention is illegal because the Palestinian Supreme
Court has ruled that he has committed no crime and should be freed.
Hadash-Ta'al
supporters protest Tibi's disqualification
Ha'artez, January 4, 2003
Hundreds of Jewish and Arab supporters of the Hadash-Ta'al party demonstrated
Saturday afternoon in the northern town of Nazareth in protest against the
disqualification of Arab MK Ahmed Tibi by the Central Elections Committee
(CEC).
Israel
seeks US aid package
BBC, January 4, 2003
A third of the money is earmarked for the military -- An Israeli delegation
is due to fly to Washington on Saturday to follow up requests for a multi-billion
dollar bale-out.
PA
confiscates Saddam's donations for 'martyrs,' demolished homes
Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2003
The Palestinian Authority has seized a large sum of money donated by Iraq
to Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, a senior PA official
said Saturday.
PA
denies secret contacts with Israel
Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2003
There are no secret political talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority,
Palestinian Minister of Local Government Saeb Erekat said Saturday, responding
to media reports that some PA officials were in contact with Israeli government
representatives.
Barak
calls Likud leaders 'accomplices to terror'
Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2003
Former prime minister Ehud Barak accused the current Likud leadership of being
"accomplices to Palestinian terrorism" by instilling fear among the public
when they "stood on the porch" above Kikar Zion at a demonstration before
the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin.
Five
Israeli soldiers injured in Jenin; U.S. condemns demolition of Palestinian
homes
Al-Bawaba, January 4, 2003
Five Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded Saturday morning after being shot
from an ambush while on patrol in the West Bank city of Jenin.
Israeli
Bulldozers Raze Buildings in Southern Gaza
Bradenton Herald, January 4, 2003
GAZA - Israeli bulldozers destroyed at least two buildings in the southern
Gaza Strip on Saturday, despite U.S. concerns that a recent spate of house
demolitions could fuel the conflict with the Palestinians.
Israel
demolishes more Palestinian homes
Arab News, January 4, 2003
GAZA CITY, 5 January 2003 — Three Israeli bulldozers backed by a tank
entered the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah yesterday and demolished three
houses, an AFP correspondent at the scene said.
Israeli
troops invade West Bank, blow up Jihad leader’s house
Arab News, January 4, 2003
RAMALLAH, West Bank, 4 January 2003 — Israeli forces launched two incursions
into autonomous Palestinian areas of the West Bank early yesterday, blowing
up the family home of a leader of the Islamic Jihad group, Palestinian and
Israeli officials said.
CEC
Disqualifies the NDA List and MKs Azmi Bishara and Ahmad
Tibi
Adalah, January 2, 2003
Adalah to Represent at Supreme Court Hearings on 7 January
2003 -- This week, the Central Elections Committee (CEC)
voted to disqualify the National Democratic Assembly (NDA)
and its leader Member of Knesset (MK) Dr. Azmi Bishara,
as well as MK Dr. Ahmad Tibi (Ta’al), from running
in Israel’s national elections scheduled for 28
January 2003.
Israeli
forces broke into al-Am'ari camp, destroy houses, warns against resistance
Arabic News, January 4, 2003
The Israeli forces yesterday at dawn broke into al-Am'ari camp in Ramullah
and cordoned the house of the Palestinian "martyr" Wafa' Idris, the first
Palestinian woman in the Palestinian Intifada in order to destroy the house.
Shaath:
Constitution of future Palestinian state to be drafted soon
Al-Bawaba, January 4, 2003
Palestinian Minister of Planning Nabil Shaath said Saturday the constitution
of a future Palestinian state would be drafted soon, the Ramallah-based daily
Al Ayyam reported.
Hear
Palestine, January 2 - 4, 2003
NEWS: Rafah: 3 Homes Demolished; Attacks in Various Areas / Hebron: Child
Severely Beaten Up by Soldiers / Nablus: Youth Wounded in Confrontations in
Burqa / Jenin: Youngster Wounded; Tightened Oppressive Measures in Qalabtya
/ Bethlehem: Campaign of Searches and Arrests amidst Curfew / Khan Younis:
Woman Wounded in Israeli Military Attacks / Tulkarem: Land Confiscation in
Qifin / Salfeet: Ongoing Curfew in Jama'in FEATURES: Children of Palestine.
Moving Targets for Occupation Machine Guns / Jenin Refugee Camp: First Winter
Reveals More Damage / Three Children Escape Death Miraculously in Al-Breij...
Al-Aqsa
Brigades claim responsibility for Jenin attack
Ha'artez, January 4, 2003
The military wing of Fatah, the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, claimed responsibility
for the attack on IDF troops in Jenin on Saturday in which five Golani soldiers
were lightly wounded.
IDF
razes more homes despite criticism from State Dept.
Ha'artez, January 4, 2003
Undeterred by international criticism, the Israel Defense Forces demolished
at least two buildings in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday and Palestinian
witnesses claimed that as many as three large houses were brought down in
the Rafah refugee camp, close to the border with Egypt.
Peace
Now protests disqualification of Tibi and Bishara
Jerusalem Post, January 4, 2003
A group of Peace Now activists demonstrated Saturday night outside the Prime
Minister's residence in Jerusalem to protest the decisions of the Central
Elections Committee (CEC) to disqualify MK Ahmed Tibi (Hadash-Tibi) and MK
Azmi Bishara (Balad) from the January 28 Knesset elections, reports Israel
Radio.
US
Rebukes Israel Over House Demolitions, Says Policy Exacerbates Conflict
Palestine Media Center, January 4, 2003
The United States has voiced concern over Israel’s systematic demolition
of Palestinian homes, which since August have left more than 110 houses in
the West Bank leveled to mere concrete and metal, rendering hundreds of Palestinians
homeless.
At
least 40 Palestinians injured during protest at brutal treatment in prison
camp
Palestine Monitor, January 3, 2003
At least 40 Palestinians were injured last night during a protest which began
yesterday against conditions in the Ofer prison camp near Ramallah, which
houses close to 1,000 Palestinian detainees.
Barghouthi
Assaulted by Israeli Police During Court Appearance
Palestine Media Center, January 4, 2003
A detained member of Palestinian parliament was physically assaulted Thursday
by Israeli police who pinned him down after he shouted in defiance during
a court appearance.
PNA
Welcomes Mitzna’s Pledge to Negotiate ‘Without Preconditions’
Palestine Media Center, January 4, 2003
The Palestine National Authority (PNA) on Friday welcomed the Israeli Labor
party chief Amran Mitzna’s pledge to re-start peace negotiations with
the Palestinian side "without preconditions" if he wins the general elections
later this month.
Israeli
Team to Discuss 12-billion-dollar Aid Request in Washington
Palestine Media Center, January 4, 2003
Israeli officials were preparing Saturday to head for Washington in a bid
to secure 12 billion dollars in emergency aid to bolster an economy ravaged
by the Palestinian uprising for independence, ahead of an anticipated war
on Iraq.
Anti-American
sentiment aside, Mideast investment in US properties tripled
MENA Report, January 4, 2003
Middle Eastern investors have purchased some $1.4 billion
commercial properties throughout the United States during
the year 2002, more than tripling their 2001 capital investments
in American real estate, which totaled $436 million. The
surge, evenly driven by Arab and Israeli investors, accounted
for about 23 percent of all international transactions
in US commercial realty, positioning the region as second
only to Europe.
American
Jewish, Christian and Muslim Leaders Unite in Urging More Active, Determined
U.S. and International Efforts to Stop Israeli-Palestinian Violence and Restart
Negotiations as Essential Now for Peace and for the Campaign Against Terrorism
National Council of Churches, December 17, 2002
The U.S. Interreligious Committee, representing prominent mainstream American
Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders, calls for greatly accelerated U.S. and
international efforts to stop Israeli-Palestinian violence and restart negotiations
for peace.
Women
set to join Iran police
BBC, January 4, 2003
The women have been training for three years -- About 400 newly qualified
policewomen will soon be joining their male counterparts, and working on the
streets in Tehran. It will be the first time since the revolution in 1979
that women will graduate from the police university and become fully trained
officers.
Threatened
humanitarian and charity societies prepares for first conference
Arabic News, January 4, 2003
The Arab Human Rights committee will hold a conference in Paris on January
9th that will bring together several humanitarian and charity societies and,
UN experts, non governmental organizations, UNESCO, the UNICEF, and WHO, in
order to discuss in particular the effects of September 11 attacks on these
organizations and to study their own problem at the beginning of the Third
Millennium.
IDB
to raise $30m in urgent aid to Palestinians
Arab News, January 4, 2003
JEDDAH, 5 January 2003 — The Islamic Development Bank said yesterday
that it was trying to raise $30 million to meet the urgent humanitarian needs
of the Palestinian people, whose livelihoods have been shattered by the continuing
Israeli occupation.
Maher
meets US Senator on bilateral in relations, Iraqi issue
Arabic News, January 4, 2003
Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher conferred late on Friday with visiting
US Senator Arlen Specter on furthering bilateral relations, the situation
in the Middle East and the Iraqi issue.
Israeli
Arab Porn Video Inflames Community Passions
Reuters, January 4, 2003
TIRA, Israel (Reuters) - "Fatima" saunters into the store, murmuring "Shalom."
At the counter, "Yussuf" eyes her appreciatively and returns the Hebrew greeting.
Cue music. The couple embrace, lapsing naturally into their native Arabic.
Were it not for the hardcore sex that comes next, it might have passed for
another Israeli high school video on language education.
New
evidence of Mossad involvment in Belgian murder case
Ha'artez, January 4, 2003
The Belgian State Prosecutor is considering reopening a probe into the murder
of Canadian scientist Dr. Gerald Bull in Brussels 12 years ago, amid new suspicions
that the Mossad was responsible. Belgian police say they have new information
that the Mossad was directly involved in killing Bull.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine, January 4, 2003
Palestine Media Center, January 4, 2003
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shelled residential neighborhoods in Khan
Younis and Rafah in the Gaza Strip, wounding one citizen. IOF also raided
Jenin City in the West Bank and detained dozens of citizens in Nablus.
video
American
troops are already on the move
BBC, January 4, 2003
